The 2024 season marks a pivotal moment in the history of Nebraska football. With head coach Matt Rhule at the helm and a roster infused with talented recruits and key transfers, the Cornhuskers are determined to return to the ranks of college football’s elite. After years of rebuilding, this season feels different—there’s a sense of optimism and belief that Nebraska is finally ready to take the next step.
But can the Cornhuskers reclaim their place among the best in college football? It’s a question that has been on the minds of Husker Nation for years. As the team prepares for a tough Big Ten schedule, let’s take a closer look at what to expect from Nebraska in 2024 and what it will take to get back to the top.
The Matt Rhule Effect: A New Era in Lincoln
When Matt Rhule was hired to take over Nebraska’s football program, it was clear that the Cornhuskers were ready for a change. Known for his ability to rebuild struggling programs, Rhule’s reputation as a culture-builder has given Husker fans hope that he can restore Nebraska’s winning tradition. After successful stints at Temple and Baylor, where he turned both programs into contenders, Rhule brings a blueprint that emphasizes discipline, player development, and a strong team culture.
Rhule has already made an impact in Lincoln, infusing new energy into the program. His approach to recruiting, player development, and instilling a family-like atmosphere has players and coaches buying in. For Rhule, the 2024 season is the next phase of the rebuilding process—and the goal is clear: to get Nebraska back to winning consistently.
“We’re not just building a team, we’re building a program,” Rhule said. “It’s about laying the foundation for sustained success. That starts with culture, toughness, and developing our players.”
Key Players to Watch in 2024
For Nebraska to compete at the highest level this season, the Cornhuskers will need standout performances from several key players. Here are a few names that will play pivotal roles in the team’s success:
Dylan Raiola – Quarterback
The arrival of five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola has brought a wave of excitement to Lincoln. As the top quarterback prospect in the 2024 class, Raiola has the physical tools and leadership qualities to be a game-changer for Nebraska’s offense. His arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ make him a natural fit for Rhule’s system, and all eyes will be on Raiola to see if he can live up to the immense expectations.
Ty Robinson – Defensive Line
As the leader of Nebraska’s defensive line, Ty Robinson will be critical to the success of the Blackshirts in 2024. Robinson’s physicality and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield make him one of the top defensive players in the Big Ten. His leadership on and off the field has made him a cornerstone of the defense, and his ability to generate pressure will be key in Nebraska’s quest to control the line of scrimmage.
MJ Sherman – Linebacker
A transfer from Georgia, MJ Sherman brings championship experience and elite athleticism to Nebraska’s defense. His role as an edge rusher and playmaker in Tony White’s aggressive 3-3-5 scheme makes him one of the most important players on the team. Sherman’s ability to get after the quarterback and create chaos in the backfield will be crucial for the Blackshirts’ success.
Billy Kemp IV – Wide Receiver
One of Nebraska’s key offensive additions in 2024 is Billy Kemp IV, a transfer wide receiver from Virginia. Kemp brings speed, reliable hands, and the ability to make plays after the catch. As a veteran presence in the receiving corps, Kemp is expected to be a primary target for Raiola and provide stability in the passing game.
Ben Scott – Center
Anchoring the offensive line is Ben Scott, a transfer from Arizona State. Scott’s experience, leadership, and football IQ make him a valuable addition to Nebraska’s offense. His ability to make pre-snap adjustments and control the middle of the line will be crucial to giving Raiola time to operate and helping the Huskers establish a strong running game.
Offensive Expectations: Building a Balanced Attack
Under Rhule and offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield, Nebraska’s offense will focus on creating a balanced attack. The key to success will be blending a strong running game with an efficient passing attack, all while maintaining physicality at the line of scrimmage.
The offensive line, led by Scott, will play a critical role in determining Nebraska’s success. Protecting Raiola and opening up running lanes for the Huskers’ talented stable of backs, including Gabe Ervin, will be essential. If the line can establish dominance in the trenches, Nebraska’s offense has the potential to be explosive.
“We want to be balanced,” Satterfield said. “We want to be able to run the ball effectively, but also take advantage of our weapons in the passing game. It’s about being tough and making defenses guess.”
With Raiola’s arm talent and the addition of playmakers like Kemp and tight end Thomas Fidone, Nebraska’s offense has the potential to create big plays through the air. However, the running game will remain a focal point, especially in the physical Big Ten conference.
Defensive Expectations: The Blackshirts’ Resurgence
The Blackshirts defense, led by Tony White, is expected to take a big leap forward in 2024. White’s 3-3-5 defensive scheme emphasizes speed, versatility, and aggression—allowing Nebraska to adapt to a variety of offensive styles while keeping pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The defensive line, anchored by Robinson and Hutmacher, will be key to stopping the run, while Sherman and Isaac Gifford will play critical roles in creating pressure off the edge. With a deep rotation of talent on the defensive line and a revamped secondary, the Blackshirts are primed to re-establish their identity as one of the top units in the conference.
“We’re going to be aggressive,” White said. “It’s about creating chaos and forcing mistakes. We want to make life difficult for opposing offenses.”
With the talent on defense and White’s innovative scheme, Nebraska has the potential to be a disruptive force in the Big Ten, capable of creating turnovers and giving the offense more opportunities to score.
Navigating a Tough Big Ten Schedule
While Nebraska’s roster has improved significantly under Rhule, the 2024 season won’t be easy. The Huskers face a tough Big Ten schedule that includes matchups against perennial contenders like Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Iowa. In addition, non-conference games against UTEP, Colorado, and Northern Iowa will test Nebraska early in the season.
For the Cornhuskers to reach their goals, they’ll need to perform well in key conference matchups, particularly against division rivals. Controlling the line of scrimmage, minimizing mistakes, and staying disciplined will be critical in navigating one of the toughest schedules in the country.
What Will Success Look Like in 2024?
For Nebraska, success in 2024 is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about continuing the progress that Rhule has already started. While Husker fans would love to see a return to the top of the Big Ten, realistic expectations include seeing tangible improvement in all phases of the game, competing in every contest, and showing that Nebraska is once again a program to be reckoned with.
“If we focus on getting better every day and playing with the right mentality, the results will come,” Rhule said. “It’s about building a program that can sustain success year after year.”
While a bowl game is certainly within reach, the bigger goal is laying the foundation for future success. As Nebraska continues to develop its young talent and integrate key transfers, the long-term future of the program looks bright.
